Designed by Picture Plus Kahala Team Member : Michaela
Some of the best gifts aren't found in stores. They're created with time, thought, and the memories they represent.
For one Pictures Plus client, that meant building a complete "master set" of her boyfriend's favorite Pokémon, Rhyhorn, and transforming it into a custom framed display for his birthday.
"After learning what my boyfriend's favorite Pokémon was, I started brainstorming potential future gift ideas for him. I wanted to collect and put together a 'master set' with all the prints of his favorite Pokémon." -Emma (Pictures Plus Client)
While many Pokémon cards stay tucked away in binders or storage boxes, she envisioned something different: a way to preserve the collection while displaying it as a piece of artwork that celebrated a story close to his heart.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Knowing what she wanted to frame was only the beginning. Deciding how to display an entire master set felt overwhelming, especially since she had never framed a collection before.
When she visited Pictures Plus, our team worked alongside her to explore different layouts, spacing, mat options, and design ideas until the display felt just right.
"I came maybe an hour or two before closing and I had no idea what to expect. It was my first time ever getting anything framed, so I was definitely stressing myself out about what would look best." Emma said.
Rather than rushing the decision, our team took the time to walk through every option together.
"The team was really patient and understanding and went through all the possible combinations and layouts I could try. In the end, we created the best outcome. I was very pleased when I picked it up."
The finished design transformed a cherished collection into a display piece that could be enjoyed every day, while helping preserve each card behind UV-filtering glass.
A Birthday Gift to Remember
Originally, the frame was expected to be ready the day after her boyfriend's birthday. Instead, she received a call saying it had been finished early.
"I was so thankful that I was able to give it to him on his actual birthday."
For her, the gift was about much more than Pokémon cards.
"My boyfriend has childhood memories tied to this Pokémon. It's quite personal and close to his heart. Seeing him happy with how it turned out meant the world to me." Emma said.
What began as a collection became a meaningful reminder of the memories that made Rhyhorn his favorite in the first place.
Advice for Fellow Collectors
For anyone considering framing a collection of their own, her advice is simple:
"Try every possible layout and variation. The end result was one I didn't even consider initially. The designer put all the mockups on the screen, and once I saw it, I just knew it was the one."
She also encourages collectors to visit the store and work through ideas with a designer.
"Coming into the store really helps with figuring out the best way to frame it. It will more than likely turn out better than you envisioned."
Whether it's Pokémon cards, sports cards, comics, or another treasured collection, custom framing offers a way to preserve the items that matter most while turning them into something that can be enjoyed every day.
Meet the Designer
Designer Spotlight: Michaela – Kahala Mall
Michaela, one of our Kahala Mall Design Consultants, collaborated with the client to create this custom Pokémon display as a meaningful keepsake.
"It was such an intentional gift. I loved that they were able to bring together every card from the collection into one meaningful display." Michaela said.
To help preserve the cards, Michaela recommended using photo corners instead of adhesive, allowing the cards to remain undamaged while still being securely displayed. She also suggested a warm brown frame that complemented the colors and details of
the collection, creating a cohesive finished piece.
Have a collection you want to frame?
Explore Custom Framing
Book a Design Consultation
Not sure where to start?
Visit any of our three Oahu stores and work with a Design Consultant to bring your collection to life — whether it's trading cards, comics, memorabilia, or something entirely your own.
FAQ
Can Pokémon cards be custom framed? Yes. Pictures Plus creates custom framed displays for Pokémon cards, sports cards, comics, and other collectibles. Each display is designed to preserve the collection while showcasing it as a piece of artwork.
What is a Pokémon "master set"? A master set refers to a complete collection of every card from a particular set or featuring a particular Pokémon. In this project, the client assembled every print of her boyfriend's favorite Pokémon, Rhyhorn, and framed the collection as a single display.
How are trading cards preserved when framed? At Pictures Plus, Design Consultants recommend photo corners instead of adhesive so the cards remain undamaged while securely displayed. UV-filtering glass is used to help protect the cards from fading and light exposure over time.
Do I need to know the layout before I come in? No. Design Consultants at Pictures Plus walk clients through layout, spacing, mat, and frame options in-store. Clients often see mockups of every combination before deciding, and the final design frequently ends up being one they hadn't originally considered.
How long does a custom framing project take? Turnaround varies by project size and complexity. In this case, the client's frame was ready earlier than expected — before her boyfriend's birthday. Ask your Design Consultant about current timelines when planning a gift or event.
Where can I get a custom collection framed in Hawaiʻi? Pictures Plus offers custom framing at three Oahu locations, including Kahala Mall. Design Consultants can help build displays for cards, memorabilia, photos, documents, and other keepsakes.
A Pictures Plus client set out to give her boyfriend a Pokémon master set of his favorite card, Rhyhorn, for his birthday. Working with Kahala Mall Design Consultant Michaela, she explored layouts, mats, and frames until the finished display felt just right — cards secured with photo corners, protected behind UV-filtering glass, and set in a warm brown frame that complemented the collection. What started as a stack of cards became a personal keepsake tied to a childhood memory, framed to be enjoyed every day.
Find More Inspo Here
Pictures Tell Many Stories.
Tell Yours With Us!
